A Look into Self-Care Strategies for Men in 2026

Here at Empower and Shine, our team is primarily comprised of women. Because of this, we often write from our own personal experiences and perspectives, sharing from our realities. However, we want to ensure that we are balancing that with love and attention to men as well. We are all surrounded by strong, empowered men, and they have shared some valuable insight into how self-care may look different for men than it does for women. I spoke to some men in my own life and we had a candid conversation about how they practice self-care in their daily lives, and the values they have built upon in their adult life to become empowered and peaceful.

While I myself often think of self care as certain activities, such as going to the gym, having a girls night, reading a book or taking a night away, it was interesting to learn that many men view self care as a more over-arching practice of tools that they integrate into their daily lives.

My husband shared that to him, self care means practicing discipline on a daily basis, for example with his physical activity, professional work, and meals, so that he reaches his goals in the best way possible. He also works to maintain healthy habits and especially mentioned the importance of maintaining specific boundaries in his life. These personal boundaries have allowed him to get rid of certain stressors that caused unhealthy habits like stress and lack of focus to flourish. He now focuses his time, energy, and attention on the people closest to him- his kids, family, and best friends. By pouring so much into draining or negative people, he felt like his own sense of peace was detrimentally affected. Now, with a smaller and more aligned circle, he is continuously uplifted, supported, and celebrated, which inspires him to continue to deploy the daily practices he relies on to be the best version of himself.

Another friend spoke to me about how he personally views self care as a man. To him, this looks like a very specific set of systems he has in place to be successful. He has been through a series of trial and error to find out what works and doesn't work for him, and now he is in a rhythm that has paid off in both his personal and professional lives. He recommended the book, "Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success" by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, which offers excellent tips for success. My friend said that a major point in the book that he adopted is the need for rest and rest. He said he now practices "healthy stress and healthy rest," and that men traditionally keep pushing harder, take no recovery, and then make no or negative progress. The idea of the importance of balancing intense effort with deliberate rest has truly defined self care for both my husband and my friend.

One of the biggest shifts for the men in my life happened when they were able to make connections between their daily activities and decisions, and a deeper meaning or the "why" that helps prevent burnout. When better able to paint a picture of their end goal, the "why" of what they are doing, and how each step will add up to get them to the finish line, they have found a stronger drive, ability to focus and respect the rest they need, and cut through the noise of differing opinions and the outside world to take care of themselves in the best way for them. Self-care looks different for every man, just like it does for every woman, but I hope this helps give you (or the men you'll forward this to!) a broader understanding of what self-care could mean to them. Remember, self-care is NOT selfish and you need to be cared for to truly be your best self.

What ways do you practice self care? We would love to hear your tried and true strategies!